A Taste:

Transformers Soundtrack, Black Hawk Down Soundtrack, Johnny Clegg

What’s the best way to unwind after a long day of running from the law and fighting hostile aliens?

Crank some tunes!

That’s exactly what District 9’s star Sharlto Copley did after filming some of the more intense action sequences in Neill Blomkamp’s new sci-fi epic. However, what he was spinning is a bit surprising.

“I was listening to the Transformers soundtrack a lot,” laughs Copley. “I don’t listen to music to get into character, but I do listen to it to zone out of things when I’m on the way to the set or sitting in my trailer—during the few brief moments that could happen [Laughs].”

Sharlto truly immersed himself in this world, becoming his character Wikus. He continues, “As a character actor in improvisation mode, you are the character or you’re not. There’s no in-between. There’s no thought involved in it. You really just switch it on or switch it off.”

Sharlto shared his playlist with ARTISTdirect.com for this exclusive feature. Check it out below and don’t miss District 9 when it hits theaters on August 14!

Sharlto Copley’s Playlist:

1. Transformers — Soundtrack

I listen to a lot of movie soundtracks. I really enjoy them. As it happens, there was quite a lot of music from Transformers going on for me during District 9.

2. Black Hawk Down — Soundtrack

I listened the Black Hawk Down soundtrack as well. I love it! That’s a great one.

3. Johnny Clegg

I listen to some South African musicians too—guys like Johnny Clegg that have got very defined South African sounds.

—Rick Florino
07.30.09